"Bladerunner" first try in the Beijing Paralympics

Source: CRI | 09-09-2008 21:52

Famous amputee sprinter of South Africa Oscar Pistorius made his debut in the Beijing Paralympic Games at the Bird's Nest.

"Bladerunner" Oscar Pistorius runs during  the heats of the Men's 100m-T44 event  at the Bird's Nest on September 8, 2008.  [Photo: Xinhuanet.com]

Athletic events of the Beijing Paralympics has kicked off and famous South African amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius, better known as the "Bladerunner" was a highlight among the stars. He made his debut on the preliminary of Men's 100 m-T44. No doubt, he qualified for the final as the fastest with 11'16.

Before the Beijing Paralympics, Oscar has broken his record which is also the world record of this game for 26 times and made it within 11 seconds. He hope he can run into 11 seconds.

"I hope so. I'm really hoping so. I hope to go into 11 tomorrow. This gonna be my goal, you know I tried to go tonight but I think tomorrow with extra competition from Brian, it definitely would be possible."

Although the Game has just began, Beijing Paralympics has already impressed him a lot and Oscar speaks highly on the Game.

"That's unbelievable, just be able to be here, to get these memories and friends. Just seeing how much work the Chinese have put into preparing the Paralympic Games for us, it's been something that completely unimaginable and you are more than expected. I can't imagine the Games much better than those, you know that's something that's really special and it's definitely to gonna be one of the most memorable experiences in my life."

The 22-year-old South African boy was born missing bones below the knee. After his legs were removed, at the age of one he learnt to walk on prosthetics. Oscar loves sports since he was a child. On the track, people call him "blade runner", thanks to his carbon fiber prosthetics.

He was a gold medalist in Athens Paralympics and he even got several champion titles in the national competitions of South Africa for ordinary people and thus got his title "the fastest man on no legs".

On Sep.9th, Oscar Pistorius will run for his first gold on Beijing Paralympics.

Editor:Du Xiaodan